Influence mechanism of energy transition on urban-rural energy equity

[Objective] As a coupling and coordination pathway within complex social-ecological networks spanning energy, economic, environmental, and societal domains, energy transition presents important opportunities and challenges in reshaping urban-rural relationships. Currently, China’s energy landscape is undergoing a period of rapid transition to modern and clean energy system. These transitions may profoundly influence the differences in energy access and affordability between rural and urban areas. Therefore, investigating the potential impacts of energy transition on urban-rural inequality and their mechanism has great significance for promoting the coordinated development between urban and rural areas. [Methods] Based on available data from 2005 to 2020, this study tentatively developed an analytical framework to explore macro-level energy transition dynamics and potential linkages to urban-rural energy equity disparities over time. By applying the structural equation modeling technique, we further investigated the multidimensional influence pathways relating energy transition to urban-rural equity indicators nationally. [Results] (1) During 2005-2020, China made substantive progress in transitioning its energy systems, but disparities in energy affordability, accessibility, and sustainability between urban and rural areas continued to be considerable. Energy equity between urban and rural regions remains a significant challenge. (2) The direct effects of energy transition on urban-rural energy equity exacerbated urban-rural inequality, while the indirect impacts from improved energy efficiency and renewable energy consumption formed a masking effect that collectively promoted energy equity between urban and rural areas. (3) As energy transition progresses, the overall positive impact of energy transition on energy equity between urban and rural areas has significantly increased. For example, technological innovation within the energy sector played a pivotal role in advancing urban-rural energy equity, and the development of new energy industries in northern China has notably fostered urban-rural coordinated development. [Conclusion] Energy transition presents a critical opportunity for developing an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban-rural energy system. It is recommended to enhance infrastructure planning, strengthen technological innovation, and promote the development of new energy industries to advance energy equity across China’s urban and rural areas.